St. John Ambulance Brigade of Ireland
Encyclopedia
The St. John Ambulance Brigade of Ireland (SJAB) is a charitable
voluntary organisation in the Republic of Ireland
. For constitutional reasons it is not a full member association of the Venerable Order of Saint John
and the international St. John Ambulance
movement, but rather is classed as an "associated body". The Brigade is dedicated to the teaching and practice of medical
first aid
. It is engaged in first aid training to the public, providing first aid and ambulance cover at public events, patient transport and community services.
The Chairman of the Council of the St John Ambulance Brigade Of Ireland, and President of the Brigade, is Mr. Clive Martin.
in Dublin by Dr. (later Sir) John Lumsden
. In his post as Medical Officer for Guinness, Dr. Lumsden was asked to provide first-aid classes for employees at the brewery; these classes became so popular that it was felt appropriate to establish a dedicated unit of the London
-based St John Ambulance Brigade at the brewery (St James' Gate Division), the first such unit in Ireland. In 1905 the City of Dublin Division was formed, the first unit open to the public for membership. In 1909, women were allowed to join the ranks with the formation of the first nursing division.
The Brigade was involved with many major events in Irish history, including treating casualties from the clashes during the 1913 Dublin Lockout
. In 1914 many members served together with Red Cross volunteers in the First World War as part of the Voluntary Aid Detachment
, providing auxiliary medical aid for those injured in combat.
However, the Brigade became prominent in Dublin during the Easter Rising
of 1916 where it treated casualties on both sides and fed and cared for evacuees. Working with Dr. Lumsden during the Easter Rising was Dr. Ella Webb who had joined the Brigade in 1914. She helped to set up an emergency hospital at the Brigade’s headquarters at 14 Merrion Square
during the Rising and “cycled daily through the firing line to visit the hospital” For these acts, and his role in establishing the St. John Ambulance Brigade in Ireland, Lumsden was knighted as KBE
by George V
. At the same time Dr. Ella Webb was awarded an MBE for her work.
Lumsden also encouraged Brigade members to be blood donors and advertised in the Irish national papers for people to register in order to set up an 'on call' blood donor panel to serve hospitals in the Dublin area. The service later became the National Blood Transfusion Association in 1948 but owes its origin to the Brigade and more especially to Sir John Lumsden.
In 1922 the Irish Civil War
caused the Brigade to go into the front line to help both sides. The following year, the first Cadet division (for those aged between 10 and 17) was formed.
In 1923, after the establishment of the Irish Free State, Lumsden wrote to the President of the Council of the Irish Free State
to start the process of breaking the Brigade away from the control of the Brigade in London, and from the British Red Cross
Society. This led to the Brigade becoming an associated body in its own right, being renamed the St. John Ambulance Brigade of Ireland, and becoming completely independent from the Brigade in England. Moves after 1923 further led to the formation of the Irish Red Cross Society in 1939. Lumsden was one of the first members of the Irish Red Cross
.
Adult ranks:
Cadet Adult Ranks (i.e., adults in charge of cadet divisions):
Cadet
ranks (ages 11–17):
Rank insignia are worn on rank slides placed on the epaulettes. These are black for ordinary members, red for doctors, grey for nurses, and green for PHECC registered practitioners.
) under their shoulder flash; this emblem is not received until they have two years' service.
The current uniform consists of the following:
Cadets wear black beret
s instead of caps and hats and have their own breast badge and shoulder flash.
Charitable organization
A charitable organization is a type of non-profit organization . It differs from other types of NPOs in that it centers on philanthropic goals A charitable organization is a type of non-profit organization (NPO). It differs from other types of NPOs in that it centers on philanthropic goals A...
voluntary organisation in the Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
. For constitutional reasons it is not a full member association of the Venerable Order of Saint John
Venerable Order of Saint John
The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem , is a royal order of chivalry established in 1831 and found today throughout the Commonwealth of Nations, Hong Kong, Ireland and the United States of America, with the world-wide mission "to prevent and relieve sickness and...
and the international St. John Ambulance
St. John Ambulance
St John Ambulance, branded as St John in some territories, is a common name used by a number of affiliated organisations in different countries dedicated to the teaching and practice of medical first aid and the provision of ambulance services, all of which derive their origins from the St John...
movement, but rather is classed as an "associated body". The Brigade is dedicated to the teaching and practice of medical
Medicine
Medicine is the science and art of healing. It encompasses a variety of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention and treatment of illness....
first aid
First aid
First aid is the provision of initial care for an illness or injury. It is usually performed by non-expert, but trained personnel to a sick or injured person until definitive medical treatment can be accessed. Certain self-limiting illnesses or minor injuries may not require further medical care...
. It is engaged in first aid training to the public, providing first aid and ambulance cover at public events, patient transport and community services.
Senior members
The Brigade's current Commissioner is Prof. Patrick Plunkett. The Commissioner is assisted by a Deputy Commissioner, a Chief Superintendent and several Assistant Commissioners, as well as dozens of staff and district Officers.The Chairman of the Council of the St John Ambulance Brigade Of Ireland, and President of the Brigade, is Mr. Clive Martin.
History
The first division in Ireland was formed in 1903 at the Guinness Brewery at St. James's GateSt. James's Gate
St. James's Gate, located off the south quays of Dublin, on James Street, was the western entrance to the city during the Middle Ages. During this time it was the traditional starting point for the Dublin pilgrimage Camino to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Now central to a industrial area, St...
in Dublin by Dr. (later Sir) John Lumsden
John Lumsden
Sir John Lumsden KBE was an Irish physician and the founder of the St. John Ambulance Brigade of Ireland.-Early years:John Lumsden was born in Drogheda, County Louth, Ireland. He was a medical doctor.Dr...
. In his post as Medical Officer for Guinness, Dr. Lumsden was asked to provide first-aid classes for employees at the brewery; these classes became so popular that it was felt appropriate to establish a dedicated unit of the London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
-based St John Ambulance Brigade at the brewery (St James' Gate Division), the first such unit in Ireland. In 1905 the City of Dublin Division was formed, the first unit open to the public for membership. In 1909, women were allowed to join the ranks with the formation of the first nursing division.
The Brigade was involved with many major events in Irish history, including treating casualties from the clashes during the 1913 Dublin Lockout
Dublin Lockout
The Dublin Lock-out was a major industrial dispute between approximately 20,000 workers and 300 employers which took place in Ireland's capital city of Dublin. The dispute lasted from 26 August 1913 to 18 January 1914, and is often viewed as the most severe and significant industrial dispute in...
. In 1914 many members served together with Red Cross volunteers in the First World War as part of the Voluntary Aid Detachment
Voluntary Aid Detachment
The Voluntary Aid Detachment was a voluntary organisation providing field nursing services, mainly in hospitals, in the United Kingdom and various other countries in the British Empire. The organisation's most important periods of operation were during World War I and World War II.The...
, providing auxiliary medical aid for those injured in combat.
However, the Brigade became prominent in Dublin during the Easter Rising
Easter Rising
The Easter Rising was an insurrection staged in Ireland during Easter Week, 1916. The Rising was mounted by Irish republicans with the aims of ending British rule in Ireland and establishing the Irish Republic at a time when the British Empire was heavily engaged in the First World War...
of 1916 where it treated casualties on both sides and fed and cared for evacuees. Working with Dr. Lumsden during the Easter Rising was Dr. Ella Webb who had joined the Brigade in 1914. She helped to set up an emergency hospital at the Brigade’s headquarters at 14 Merrion Square
Merrion Square
Merrion Square is a Georgian square on the southside of Dublin city centre. It was laid out after 1762 and was largely complete by the beginning of the 19th century. It is considered one of the city's finest surviving squares...
during the Rising and “cycled daily through the firing line to visit the hospital” For these acts, and his role in establishing the St. John Ambulance Brigade in Ireland, Lumsden was knighted as KBE
Order of the British Empire
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions...
by George V
George V
George V was king of the United Kingdom and its dominions from 1910 to 1936.George V or similar terms may also refer to:-People:* George V of Georgia * George V of Imereti * George V of Hanover...
. At the same time Dr. Ella Webb was awarded an MBE for her work.
Lumsden also encouraged Brigade members to be blood donors and advertised in the Irish national papers for people to register in order to set up an 'on call' blood donor panel to serve hospitals in the Dublin area. The service later became the National Blood Transfusion Association in 1948 but owes its origin to the Brigade and more especially to Sir John Lumsden.
In 1922 the Irish Civil War
Irish Civil War
The Irish Civil War was a conflict that accompanied the establishment of the Irish Free State as an entity independent from the United Kingdom within the British Empire....
caused the Brigade to go into the front line to help both sides. The following year, the first Cadet division (for those aged between 10 and 17) was formed.
In 1923, after the establishment of the Irish Free State, Lumsden wrote to the President of the Council of the Irish Free State
Irish Free State
The Irish Free State was the state established as a Dominion on 6 December 1922 under the Anglo-Irish Treaty, signed by the British government and Irish representatives exactly twelve months beforehand...
to start the process of breaking the Brigade away from the control of the Brigade in London, and from the British Red Cross
British Red Cross
The British Red Cross Society is the United Kingdom branch of the worldwide impartial humanitarian organisation the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The society was formed in 1870, and is a registered charity with over 31,000 volunteers and 2,600 staff. At the heart of their work...
Society. This led to the Brigade becoming an associated body in its own right, being renamed the St. John Ambulance Brigade of Ireland, and becoming completely independent from the Brigade in England. Moves after 1923 further led to the formation of the Irish Red Cross Society in 1939. Lumsden was one of the first members of the Irish Red Cross
Irish Red Cross
The Irish Red Cross Society , commonly referred to as the Irish Red Cross , is the National Red Cross Society in the Republic of Ireland. It was established by Nurse Elizabeth O'Herrin either on 1 July or 1 August 1939 on the approach of the Second World War...
.
Ranks of the Brigade
Ranks within the St. John Ambulance Brigade are defined as:Adult ranks:
- Member
- Lance CorporalLance CorporalLance corporal is a military rank, used by many armed forces worldwide, and also by some police forces and other uniformed organizations. It is below the rank of corporal, and is typically the lowest non-commissioned officer, usually equivalent to the NATO Rank Grade OR-3.- Etymology :The presumed...
(one point-down chevron) - CorporalCorporalCorporal is a rank in use in some form by most militaries and by some police forces or other uniformed organizations. It is usually equivalent to NATO Rank Code OR-4....
(two chevrons) - SergeantSergeantSergeant is a rank used in some form by most militaries, police forces, and other uniformed organizations around the world. Its origins are the Latin serviens, "one who serves", through the French term Sergent....
(three downward chevrons) - 2nd Divisional Officer (one pip)
- 1st Divsional Officer (two pips)
- Divisional Superintendent (three pips)
- District Officer (three pips with a solid silver bar underneath)
- Staff Officer (Cross of St. John over one pip)
- Assistant CommissionerAssistant CommissionerAssistant commissioner is a rank used in many police forces across the globe. It is also a rank used in revenue administrations in many countries.-Australia:...
(Cross of St. John over two pips) - Deputy CommissionerDeputy CommissionerA deputy commissioner is a police or administrative official in many different countries.-Australia:In all Australian police forces, deputy commissioner is the rank directly below that of commissioner and senior to the rank of assistant commissioner except in the New South Wales Police Force, where...
(Cross of St. John over two pips) - CommissionerCommissionerCommissioner is in principle the title given to a member of a commission or to an individual who has been given a commission ....
(Cross of St. John over three pips)
Cadet Adult Ranks (i.e., adults in charge of cadet divisions):
- Cadet LeaderCadet LeaderCadet leader is a rank held by senior cadets in the St. John Ambulance Brigade.Cadets holding this rank are normally between their 15th and 18th birthdays. They rank above cadet NCOs but are subordinate to adult members and officers. In the St...
(3 straight white stripes) - Cadet Officer (one pip with white piping going down the edge of the rank slide)
- Cadet Superintendent (two pips with white piping going down the edge of the rank slide)
Cadet
Cadet
A cadet is a trainee to become an officer in the military, often a person who is a junior trainee. The term comes from the term "cadet" for younger sons of a noble family.- Military context :...
ranks (ages 11–17):
- Cadet (blank epaulette)
- Cadet Lance Corporal (a rank not used in other brigades)(one point-down chevron)
- Cadet Corporal (two chevrons)
- Cadet Sergeant (three chevrons)
Rank insignia are worn on rank slides placed on the epaulettes. These are black for ordinary members, red for doctors, grey for nurses, and green for PHECC registered practitioners.
Commissioners of the Brigade
There have been five Commissioners since 1903:- Sir John LumsdenJohn LumsdenSir John Lumsden KBE was an Irish physician and the founder of the St. John Ambulance Brigade of Ireland.-Early years:John Lumsden was born in Drogheda, County Louth, Ireland. He was a medical doctor.Dr...
, 1903–1944 (RIP) - A. J. Conor, 1944–1951 (retired)
- W. G. Smith (Acting Commissioner), 1951–1954
- Douglas Montgomery, 1954–1974 (RIP)
- Derek L. Robinson, 1974–2008 (RIP)
- Patrick K. Plunkett, 2008–
Uniform
The uniform is nearly identical to the English uniform, although there are some differences. Instead of county emblems, Irish Brigade members wear a Brigade Emblem (a green shamrockShamrock
The shamrock is a three-leafed old white clover. It is known as a symbol of Ireland. The name shamrock is derived from Irish , which is the diminutive version of the Irish word for clover ....
) under their shoulder flash; this emblem is not received until they have two years' service.
The current uniform consists of the following:
- White pilot shirt with epaulettes, "St. John Ambulance" on left breast and badge on right
- Black NATO or tight knit sweaterSweaterA sweater, jumper, pullover, sweatshirt, jersey or guernsey is a garment intended to cover the torso and arms. It is often worn over a shirt, blouse, T-shirt, or other top, but may also be worn alone as a top...
with "St. John Ambulance" on the left breast, badge on the right and shoulder flash under epaulettes - Black dress jacket with St. John Ambulance badge on the right breast, medals on the left breast, and shoulder flash under epaulettes on both sleeves; this jacket is worn by officers on formal occasions, but is rarely worn by members or NCOs
- Black trousers
- Black boots or shoes
- Black clip-on tieClip-on tieThe clip-on tie is a bow tie or four-in-hand tie which is permanently tied, with a dimple just below the knot, and which is fixed to the front of the shirt collar by a metal clip...
- Peaked capPeaked capA peaked cap, forage cap, barracks cover, or combination cap is a form of headgear worn by the armed forces of many nations and also by many uniformed civilian organizations such as law enforcement agencies...
for men and bowler-style hat for women, with cap badgeCap badgeA cap badge, also known as head badge or hat badge, is a badge worn on uniform headgear and distinguishes the wearer's nationality and/or organisation. The wearing of cap badges is a convention commonly found among military and police forces, as well as uniformed civilian groups such as the Boy...
and white band (officers do not wear the cap band, have different cap badges and may wear a cockadeCockadeA cockade is a knot of ribbons, or other circular- or oval-shaped symbol of distinctive colors which is usually worn on a hat.-Eighteenth century:...
or silver bars) - Hi-visibility jacket with St. John Ambulance reflective badges (outdoors only)
Cadets wear black beret
Beret
A beret is a soft, round, flat-crowned hat, designated a "cap", usually of woven, hand-knitted wool, crocheted cotton, or wool felt, or acrylic fiber....
s instead of caps and hats and have their own breast badge and shoulder flash.
See also
- St John Ambulance
- Venerable Order of Saint JohnVenerable Order of Saint JohnThe Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem , is a royal order of chivalry established in 1831 and found today throughout the Commonwealth of Nations, Hong Kong, Ireland and the United States of America, with the world-wide mission "to prevent and relieve sickness and...
- Order of Malta Ambulance CorpsOrder of Malta Ambulance CorpsThe Order of Malta Ambulance Corps is the largest voluntary ambulance and first aid organisation of its kind in Ireland. The Order of Malta is engaged in teaching first aid, providing ambulance cover at large events, patient transport, community and nursing services...
- Irish Red CrossIrish Red CrossThe Irish Red Cross Society , commonly referred to as the Irish Red Cross , is the National Red Cross Society in the Republic of Ireland. It was established by Nurse Elizabeth O'Herrin either on 1 July or 1 August 1939 on the approach of the Second World War...
- Civil Defence IrelandCivil Defence IrelandCivil Defence Ireland is the national civil defence organisation of the Republic of Ireland. It is operated at local authority level in conjunction with the Department of Defence....
- PHECCPHECCThe Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council is an independent statutory organisation responsible for implementing, monitoring and further developing the standards of care provided by all statutory, private and voluntary ambulance services in the Republic of Ireland...
- Sovereign Military Order of Malta
- Service Medal of the Order of St JohnService Medal of the Order of St JohnThe Service Medal of the Order of St John is an award given to those that have provided a requisite number or years service to the Venerable Order of St John...
- Insignia of the Venerable Order of St John
External links
- St John Ambulance Brigade of Ireland - official website